Care You Can Trust: How the Black Men’s Health Clinic Leverages Community Partnerships Charting a Course Where Health Care Struggles to Reach

Abstract

Black men in the United States have a lower life expectancy than Hispanic and White populations due to elevated morbidity and mortality from various health conditions. This is partially attributable to the experience of systemic racism and earned mistrust toward health professionals, the majority of whom are not Black. Despite recognition of this issue, limited progress has been made to improve Black men’s health trajectories. Thus, there is an urgent need for health care organizations to reach more Black men and address existing health inequities through innovative means. Larry Wallace Sr., an experienced health care executive, recognized this issue in his community and created the Black Men’s Health Clinic (BMHC) with his son, Larry Wallace Jr., to improve health care delivery to Black men in and around Austin, Texas. BMHC has successfully reached Black men in its catchment area through its strategic community engagement efforts and a unique financial model to increase health care accessibility for a population that has historically experienced poor health outcomes. Furthermore, they offer a comprehensive range of services that acknowledge the impact of social and structural determinants of health and address social needs to provide Black men with access to vetted, high-quality health care. Consequently, BMHC’s health care model offers a useful framework for other health care organizations that are aiming to achieve health equity. The BMHC model is presented herein, highlighting strategies for other health care organizations to reach Black men and deliver trusted care. Implementing suggestions discussed in this work may lead to improved health outcomes for Black men in the United States.